Match packet and method of



May 5, 1936. 1 R, NOLAN 2,039,491

MATCH PACKET AND METHOD 0F MAKING THE SAME Eiled Jan. 24, 1935 2 sheets-sheet 1 May 5, 1936. J. R. NoLAN MATCH PACKET AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed Jan. 24, 1935 2 Sheets-Shea?l 2 Patented May 5, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE N MATCH PACKET AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Application January 24, 1935, Serial No. 3,277

19 Claims.

This invention relates to match packets and methods of making the same, having reference particularly to packets of matches of the light-onwithdrawal type, wherein each packet comprises a wrapper or cover of flexible paperboard, or the like, having an internal ignition surface or surfaces, and a holder enclosed by said wrapper or cover and detachably supporting a row of matches. with their heads spaced from the ignition surface or surfaces, in. order lthatv during the lengthwise withdrawal of each individual match from the holder the head of the match is efficiently ignited by its rubbing contact with such surface or surfaces.

In a match packet of the type referred to it is important that the ignition surface exert sufficient igniting pressure on the head of a match as it is being withdrawn stem foremost from the packet, irrespective of the number of matches, if

(c1. sas- 2) during their withdrawal. Such folds bear laterally against the stems of the interposed matches, and the inner edges of the folds bear hard against or engage the opposing holder material. The outer ends of the two folds are secured together and to 5 the front and back vof the wrapper or cover by staples or other means, thus outwardly bowing the `front and back of the cover at the bends of the respective folds, while the inner edges of such folds are caused to retain their substantially parallel relation on account of their binding contact with the holder. 'I'he outwardlybowed portions of the cover contribute to the relative rigidity of the inner folds in that the former tend to brace the upper edges or chords of the folds throughout their length while permitting the passage of a match head between the folds with the requisite friction to effect theignltion of .the headafef The match holdinglenrentis-prefevrably comany, remaining in the packet, and therefore varie/#posed/Cf'/rlventinal form 0f Corrugated 01 20 ous auxiliary means to lthat end have-heretofore been devised and described, such, for example,'as the application to the packet of binding and reinforcing bands, or of transverse metallic clamping or fastening devices. Obviously, the use of such auxiliary means adds materially to the cost of manufacture, and therefore a practical packet devoid thereof is a desideratum, particularly as this type of packet is extensively used for advertising purposes.

An object of my invention is to provide a packet of light-on-withdrawal matches wherein the wrapper or cover is provided with an in-folded end portion which is braced and supported throughout the width -of the series of matches in a simple and inexpensive manner effective to insure the requisite contact between the acting surface of such portion and the head of any rnatchthat is being extracted, irrespective of 'the number of matches, if any, which have been removed previously from the packet. Such surface, or an opposing complementary surface, is coated with ignition material which is arranged to effect the ignition of a match head during the withdrawal of the match from the packet. l

Other objects of the invention will hereinafter appear.

In carrying out my invention in the preferred way the outer ends or margins of a suitable wrapper or cover of flexible material, such as paperboard, are bent to afford opposing inner pressure folds when the wrapper is applied to a match filled holder, at least one of which folds is provided on its acting surface with ignition material disposed in the paths of the respective match heads channeled pasteboard. The matches arranged in spaced parallel relation are pushed lengthwise, stems foremost', into and through the respective channels so that the match heads are confined therein at one end of the holder, and their stems project beyond the other end ofthe holder. The sides or walls of the holder above the match heads are pressed against the match stems in order to exert retarding friction on the heads -as the matches are being lengthwise pulled through the holder, andthe holder is held within the cover by simply fastening the ends of the lateral folds,

as previously mentioned. Consequently in the act of extracting a match lengthwise from the packet the match head exerts on the holder an upward pull which tends to draw the upper edge of the holder into increased binding contact with the opposing edges of the respective folds, all of which, together with other features of novelty; will be hereinafter more fully described,l and the scope of the invention then expressed in the appended claims.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a match packet I embodying the principle ofmy invention.

Fig. 2 is a view of the delivery end of the packet. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section through the packet, as on the line 3-3 of Fig.` 1.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical section through the delivery end of the packet, as on the line 4 4 50 of Fig. 1.l

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a rectangular flexible wrapper or cover blank for use in the productionA of the packet.

Fig. 6 is a similar View showing the ends of the .55

blank bent to provide pressure folds whereof o is coated with match ignition material. Y

Fig. 7 is a similar view showing a match holder of conventional corrugated paperboard 'imposed on'the body ofthe blank.

Ii'ig. 8, is a similar viewshowing the matches inserted in the holder. Fig. 9 is a similar view, partly in section. showing the blank folded about the holder and the containedymatches to provide acov'er therefor preparatory to the completion of the packet by partially compressing the holder and by fastening together the sides-of the cover and its end folds, asshowninFig.-1. Fig. 10 is a view of an elongated strip of corrusated material from which the holders arel severed.

I y Fig. l1 is a view of a strip or comb? of matches from which rows of matches for insertion in the cover are produced.

Fig. v12 represents al card of matches as severedv from the strip. Y

Fig. 13 represents the card with its base portion severed in parallel lines to extend and separate the individual match stems, and such stems being shifted laterallyv to spaced parallel relation` preparatory to their insertion in the holder.

Fig. 14 'ls'a perspective view, partly in section, of-a modified form of match packet whereof one folded end of the cover isextend'ed to provide a Aprotective back for the protruding match stems.

Fig. 1'5 -is a plan, with parts broken away,- of al modication havingtwo rows 'of matches. Fig. 16 isan end view, partly in section, of a portion of packet shown in Fig. l5.- i

'111e form of match packet illustrated in Figs.

-- 1,72, Sand 4 fgthejdrawingsto exemplify'my invention, comprises a wrapper crccver, I B, con; i sistin'gof a rectangular blank of paperboard or o me u-ke having its endsbent laterauy and 1nwardly to provide transverse flaps or folds il, and having kits bodyfolded midway of the-naps or folds toposition them in opposed facial rela'tion with their Yieeedges substantially parallel. f The inner face of one, of the folds is coated with match ignition. material, I1, but the opposing faces of the two folds may be coated withzthe material, if desired. l,

The packet also includesa match holding element, il,-consisting of a rectangular section of conventional paper ard-composed of a corru-` gated sheet of thin paper, i9, interposed between and cemented 'to backing sheets, of relatively stiif material. Through the parallel channels of ses the holder. are lengthwise inserted matches, 2|.'

having their heads'22 preferably confined in the lower ends of the respective channels and having the free endsw. of their stems projecting some' distance beyond the opposite ends of the channels.

foowhich projecting stemsthus can be. separately grasped in order to facilitate the withdrawal of each individual match lengthwise from the The length ofthe match holder.' Il, is substan- '66 tially co-extenxive with the width of the wrapper,

and the width of the holder is such that when it is supplied with matches and positioned on 'the cover with the head ends of the stems at. or about the midsection of the' wrapper, as in Fig. 8, the

70'converg'ing free edges of the end folds of thev wrapper as it is being folded aboutthe respeoe tive sides of the holder, bear against the'opposite 4'faces cf the projecting portions of the row of l match stems, as in Fig. 9, and as the folding of 7s the wrapper nears completionthe convergins folds i6 are pressed to a position fiatwise against thematch stems, thereby forcing such free edges into tight or engaging Contact with the opposing edge of the inner corrugated paper I9 of the holder, as in Fig. 3. The contiguous ends of the fo'lds i6 and the front and back Walls of the wrapper or cover, are then rmlybound'together by means of staples, 23, or other suitable fasteners. By s'ecuringthe ends of the folds i5 as just described, the folds are drawn against the match stems, -thus effecting a positive frictional contact between the ignition surfacesof the folds and the match' heads when'the matches are being B y their locking engagement with the portion of the holder between the backing sheets, the

. lower edges of the folds i6 are held in parallelismV against the match stems, and consequently the pinching of the front and back walls of the wrapper at the ends of the folds by the application of the fasteners, outwardly bows the respective walls along the upper fold lines thereof, as at 24, which localized bow formations of the wrapper material act to stillen the edges of the respective infolds and thereby, inv. conjunction l with the fixed lower edges ofthe folds.' effectually maintain such folds in close parallel relation',

thus contributing to and ensuring the effective contact oi.' the opposing ignition surface with each l individualmatch as it is beinglengthw'ise withi drawn from the holder. i e

l Preferably the side walls of the lholder are pressed toward ea'ch other above the match heads',

las seen in Fig. 3,- thereby yieldably clamping the interposedmatch stems sc-that they exert slight pressure on the head of each individual matchy as and when it is being lengthwise withdrawn through and from the holder. The pressure the matchheadeiiiits upward movement tends to draw the holder intncreasedbinding relation to the opposing edges of the respective folds, as previously mentioned.

Holders, |8. of determined; form and size for their intended 4purpose are out from a. long rectangularstrip, 25, of corrugated stock, such as represented in Fig. 10.

I lhave illustrated the matches, 2|, contained in the holder as having -at stems of paper or jveneer. ln using such matches I avail of match cards. suchas are .used in conventional book matches, which cards are cut from elongated match strips such as shown in Fig; 11; `In each card a row of matches projects'from a common uncut base portion, the alternate stems being 'slightly spread laterally and their heads being in overlapping staggered relation, as seen in Fig. 12.

The b ase portion of each card is'severed longitudinally in lines vextending fromV the parallel cuts which define the width of the match stems, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. l2. 'I'he adjacent matches thus separated are then shifted "exerted on the backing sheets of the holder by are then simultaneously pushed lengthwise into i and through the parallel channels of a corrugated paper holder which is superimposed on a cover bank conveniently supported-'adjacent the Cai handle ends ofthe series of stems. Before or after the insertion of the matches in the holder, the end portions of the cover blank are suitably bent to provide the resilient pressure flaps or folds IB, either" or both of such end portions having been pre-coated with ignition material. The body of the cover is then folded about the holder and toward the matches so as to bring the end folds I6 in contact with the projecting stems and in engagement with the upper edge of the holder. Finally, pressure is applied to the cover to compress the portion vof the holder above the match heads, and the folds and the walls of the cover are pinched and fastened together at the ends of the folds. l l

While the various steps hereinbefore mentioned may be performed by hand, it is to be understood that the commercial production of the packet machine.

In Fig. 14 of the drawings I have shown a modifled form of. packet embodying my invention wherein one side of the cover and its end'fold are extended above the opposite side and fold, so as'to provide a protective back for the adjacent protruding portions of the match stems; and in Fig. 15 I have shown another modification wherein two holders with their quota of matches are placed face to face and enclosed in a cover having the characteristic end folds. In this latter construction the two end folds are coated with ignition material I1, and a partition strip 26, which affords a backer for the protruding rows of match stems, is inserted between and transversely of the rows, and upon the tops Aof the holders. The ends of the strip, together with the cover folds and the sides of the cover, are bound together by means of suitable fasteners 23.

It is to be understood that the exemplifying construction or constructions herein disclosed, and the hereinbefore described mode of procedure in the production thereof, may bemodiedrandvvarieewitmn the fair lspint of' the in- `vention and the scope of the appended claims.

I. claimrv 1. In a method of making a packet of lighton-withdrawal matches embodying a cover, a match holder and a row of matches having their stems supported by and protruding from said holder, the steps which consist in bending at least one end portion of the cover to provide. an inner transverse fold, and in applying the cover to the holder to position the face of .the fold in proximity to the ,protruding match stems and its inner edge in binding contact with the opposing edge of the holder.

2. In a method of making a packet of lighton-withdrawal matches embodying,` a cover, a match holder and a row of matches having their stems supported by and protruding from said holder, the steps which consist in bending the end portions of the cover to provide inner transverse folds, in applying the cover to the holder l to position the faces of the folds in opposed relation and with their inner edges bearing laterally against the protruding match stems and in binding contact with theopposing edge of the holder, and in fastening the ends of the opposing folds together and to the side walls of the cover.

4. A method of making a packet of light-onwithdrawal matches embodying a cover, a match holder composed of a sheet of corrugated paper interposed betweerr and cemented to backing sheets, and a row of matches having their stems supported in and protruding from said holder, the steps which consist in bending the end portions ofthe cover to provide inner transverse folds, in applying the cover to the holder to position the faces of the folds in opposed relation and with their inner edges bearing laterally against the protruding match stems and in binding contact with the opposing edge of the holder between the backing sheets of the holder, in pressing the corrugated sheet against the match stems, and in fastening the-ends of the opposing folds together and to the side walls of the cover.

5. In a method of making a packet vof lighton-withdrawal matches wherein is utilized a card of matches having a base and matches extending therefrom, the steps which consist in severing the base longitudinally of and between the edges of adjacent matches, and in shifting the separated stems laterally to spaced substantiallyparallel relation.

6. In a method of making a packet of `lightv:Jnwithdrawal matches wherein is utilized a card of matches having a base and matches extending therefrom with their heads in overlapping staggered relation, the steps whichconsist in separating the match stems at the base, in pressing the match heads to a common plane, and in moving the stems laterally to spaced substan- -1 tially-parallel relation while the adjacent heads are under pressure and in pivotal contact. a 7. Ina method of making a packet of lighton-withdrawal matches wherein is utilized a card of matches having a base and matches extending therefrom, the steps which consist in separating the match stems at the base, in shifting the separated matches laterally to spaced substantiallyparallele relation, and in simultaneously pushing the spaced matches lengthwise into and through a suitable container positioned in the path of the stems. y Y

8. In a method of making a packet of lighton-withdrawal matches wherein is utilized a card `of matches having a baseand matches extending therefrom, consisting in separating the match i stems at the base, in shifting the separated matches to spaced substantially-parallel relation, in simultaneously pushing the spaced matches lengthwise into and through a suitable holder positioned in the path of the stems, in`

applying to the holder a cover havinginfolded end portions, at least one of which is provided with ignition material, in pressing the end folds against the protruding match stems and in binding contact with the upper edge of the holder, and, finally, in fastening together the end folds and the walls of the cover.

9.- In a method of making a packet of light-onwithdrawal matches wherein is utilized a card of matches having a base and matches extending therefrom, the steps which consist in severing the base portion of the card in lines extending longitudinally of and between the edges of adjacent match stems, and in shifting the severed lo stems, in pressing the match heads to a common f plane, and then moving the stems laterally to spaced substantially-parallel 'relationwhile the adjacent heads are under pressure and in pivotal contact- Y. l 1l. In a method ofmaking a. packet of lighton-withdrawal paper matcheawherein'is .utilized a card of matches haviga base and matches extending therefrom, the steps, which consist in severing the base of the 'card in lines extending A' 20 longitudinally from the cuts 'which define the width of vthe match stems, in shifting the sep` arated matches laterallyto spaced substantiallyparallel relation, and in simultaneously pushing the spacedmatchesflengthwise into and 25. through-a suitable container positioned in` the dpath of the' stems.

12. A method of making t. vpaoiretlof iight-on;A

withdrawal matches wherein is utilized a card of matches having a base and matches extending 30 therefrom, consisting in severing the'base of-the card in lines extending longitudinally of the match stems, in shifting thefseparated matches laterally.A to spaced substantially-parallel relation, in simultaneously pushing. the spaced 35 matches lengthwise into and Vthrough asuitable holder positioned in the path of the stems, in applying to the holder a cover 'havinginfolded end portions, at least one of`which is .provided with ignition material, in pressing' the .end folds -40 against the protruding'match stems and in binding contact with the upper edge 'of the-holder,

and, finally,` in fastening together the end folds"i"matchesva-holdeLthJQugh which protrude the' and the walls of the cover.

y 13. A match packet comprising a plurality of 45 matches, a holder therefor through which protrude the stem ends o f the matches, anda cover 4-of iiexible 'material for said holder having at least one foldedgend portion bearing laterally against the protruding match stems and the inner 50 edge ofthe fold in binding contact with the opposing edge of the holder, said folded end portion having an ignitionsurface, and means se-'- of said folded portion to the matches, a holder therefor through which pro'- trude the stem e'nds 'of the matches, and a cover of exible material for said holder having at least -curing the ends cover. s

14. A match pmket comprising a pluralityof matches, a holder therefor through which protrude the stem ends of the matches, and a covei of flexible material for said holder having infolded end portions bearing against the opposite 60 sides of theprot'ruding stems and edgewise engaging the holder, at least one ,of said` infolded portions having an ignition surface, and means together and to the walls securing said folds of the cover.

2,os9,4o1 l 15. A motonpookot ooinnrising o. pim-duty or l matches, a holder therefor through which protrude the stem'ends'of the matches. and a 4cover of flexible material for said holder having infolded end portionsbearing against th'e opposite sides of the protruding stems and edgewise engaging the holder, at least one of said infolded portions having an ignition surface and 'means securing said infolded portions together and to the walls of the cover while permitting slight upward' drag off the holder during the withdrawal of amatch. from the packet.

16. A match'packet comprising a plurality ofl j matches, a holder composed of a sheet of cor' rugated paper interposed between and cemented to backing'shee'ts, and affording guide channels through whichl the matches extendI the.he ads of such matches being confined in .the channels at one edge offthe holder and the stemvends protruding beyond the opposite edg of the hold- -er, a cover of flexible material encasing said holder and having infolded end'portions bearing against the opposite sides of the protruding stems and .edgewise engaging ithe corrugated sheet of the holder, at -leastone of said infolded portions of the cover havingfan "ignition surface, and

means securing s'aid folds togetherand to the' side walls of the cov'er'abovezthe holder.

17. A match packet comprising a plurality'of matches, a holder therefor through which -protrude the stemends ofthe matches, and a cover of flexible material for said holder having infolded end portions bearing against the opposite sides of the protruding stems and edgewise-engaging the holder, one side of said cover and its. infold extending beyond the other side of the cover pstems of the respective r`ows and edgewise engagingth'adjacentwholders, said infolded end portions having ignition surfaces, and-means securi ing said folds and the -p'artit'ion strip together andtol the walls of the cover.

19. A match pocket comprising a' plurality of and its infold, and at lea'st one of said-infolded one folded end portion bearing laterally against -protruding match stems. A

c JOHN R. NOLAN.

cover to draw the folded end portion against the said holder having infolded end portions bearing against, the opposing sides of the protruding- 

